The stage is set for Andor Season 2, and with the show set to cover four years before the events of Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, there's a little bit of everything this season. From the expected to the unexpected Rogue One cameos, to the show's music, the return of Season 1's best characters, and Andor's emotional highs and lows, here is what I'm looking forward to this season.
Things I'm most excited about in Andor Season 2.
1. K-2SO and B2EMO
The two most essential droids in Cassian's life are his adorable droid B2EMO and his companion from Rogue One, K-2SO. It's already been confirmed that Alan Tudyk will be back as K-2SO. We'll finally get to see how the duo came together, and I can't wait to see how their story started. But I also love the adorable B2EMO who we last saw at the end of Season 1 when he was shattered after Maarva's death.
I hope Season 2 reveals what happened to B2, and I hope he gets a happy ending.
2. The Rogue One Cameos
Some might call it fan service, but I'm a fan who needs to be serviced, so I can't wait for the Rogue One cameos this season! We know K-2SO, Orson Krennic, Ruescott Melshi, and Saw Gerrera are some of the characters set to reprise their roles. If there are a few names that must be kept under wraps, I can't wait for those to be revealed!
3. Cassian's rise to the top
Much of this season centers on Cassian's growth into the influential Rebel leader he is in Rogue One. We know the journey will be grueling, and he'll sacrifice his old self along the way. I can't wait to see his wins along the way as well and how he copes with the inevitable losses.
4. Jyn Erso
Felicity Jones's return as Jyn Erso hasn't been confirmed anywhere, so it doesn't look good for anyone who wants her back. Regardless, she has a big role in Rogue One, and it won't seem right if she's not at least mentioned in Andor Season 2. As Galen Erso's daughter, Jyn has always been on everyone's radar, so maybe the Rebel Alliance's quest to find her will begin during this season.
If that's the case, I would love a few scenes that show us a little more about Jyn Erso's life before Rogue One.
5. The music
Nicholas Britell's music for Andor played a crucial part in the show's success and set the mood that could inspire your inner rebel. From "The Rebellion Suite" to "The Cassian Way," and the quirky "Niamos," the Andor soundtrack has unique and memorable music.
Britell revealed in an old interview that Season 2's sounds will move closer to Rogue One's tracks, which were composed by Michael Giacchino. That's enough to get me excited about Season 2's music, as Rogue One contains some of my favorite Star Wars music, including the emotional "Jyn Erso Suite," "Rebellions Are Built on Hope," and "Your Father Would Be Proud of You."
6. The emotions
Tony Gilroy promised hard-hitting moments this season and says he'll be disappointed if fans don't cry. If the maker thinks we'll cry, I fully expect to pull out a box of Kleenex for every episode. We know every character will be put through the grinder, and some won't make it out alive. Amidst all the madness, there's Cassian Andor, who's bound to lose more than he gains along the way.
7. The Rogue One parallels
Andor has numerous scenes that mirror moments from Rogue One, including moments of Cassian sitting quietly in his chamber on Narkina, which parallel moments of Jyn Erso imprisoned on Wobani in Rogue One. Cassian also wears a kyber crystal given to him by Luthen Rael, and so does Jyn. Finally, the scene by the beach after Cassian finds out that Maarva passed away is a perfect parallel to Jyn and Cassian's final moments on Scarif.
These moments serve as a reminder that regardless of what it takes to get there, Cassian's destination is on Scarif. His fate is tragically tied to Jyn Erso, and the galaxy's fate is tied to them.
8. Director Orson Krennic
Scene stealer Ben Mendelsohn reprises his role as Director Orson Krennic this season, and this man has some serious screen presence. After all, it's not easy to give a memorable performance in front of Darth Vader, but something about Mendelsohn's performance stands out.
Kennic has all the arrogance and self-satisfaction of any Imperial officer, without the uptight and cold appearance. He's cruel and witty, and I hope there's another Vader and Krennic so we can see where they stand. Of course, Krennic will be on a mission to secure funding for his passion project, so let's see where that quest lands him!
Andor: A Star Wars Story premieres April 22 on Disney+.